The type of golf ball you use can affect how far you drive it, how many fairways and greens you hit and how well you perform around the greens. When choosing a golf ball, you are forced to make a sacrifice one way or another. If you choose a distance ball, you are sacrificing control around the greens. Choosing a softer ball might help you get up and down but you will likely lose distance on your drives. Your handicap and skill level in the different areas of the game will be the main factors in deciding which ball you tee up.
Premium Balls
The Titleist ProV1 and ProV1x are the clear leaders of the golf ball industry. In 2010, Titleist balls had 149 wins worldwide, 124 more than the nearest competitor, which had 25. The ProV1 and ProV1x provide length off the tee combined with soft feel and control around the greens. The ProV1x has slightly lower spin rates and so is more suitable for faster swing speeds. The ProV1's main competitors include the Callaway i(s) and i(z), the Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star X and the Bridgestone B330S/RX/RXS. The reason that these companies offer two or more versions of the same ball is related to swing speed. Higher swing speeds, as a rule, create more spin and so the lower spin versions are for faster speeds and the higher spin balls are for more moderate swing speeds.
Quality Balls
The second tier of golf balls caters more for moderate swing speeds. The use of lower compression cores allows for greater energy transfer and increased ball speed. One example is the Bridgestone E6. The E6 features an "Anti-Side Spin Inner Layer," which combines with the soft core to produce longer and straighter shots. The TaylorMade TP Black LDP is a multilayer ball with a urethane cover that minimizes spin off the tee while providing a high level of control around the greens. Other balls in this sector include the Titleist NXT Tour and the Nike One Vapor Speed, a ball designed for swing speeds of 85 to 95 mph.
Women's Balls
Women's golf balls are designed for slower swing speeds. Stronger women golfers will find these unsuitable but the majority will find them beneficial. Women's golf balls are designed with very low compression cores that help to increase ball speed. Most feature ionomer covers for improved feel. The Nike Karma is designed for women with swing speeds between 70 and 80 mph, who are looking to increase carry distance. Its 312 dimple design improves aerodynamics resulting in a longer, more "stable ball flight."
2-piece Balls
2-piece golf balls are suited to players who have average or slow swing speeds and are looking for distance. These golf balls provide a higher launch angle and have low spin rates. You may struggle to stop a 2-piece ball on a firm green but with the extra yards from the tee, you'll be a little closer to the green than with a softer ball. The Callway Diablo, Maxfli Noodle and Pinnacle dimension are all 2-piece balls that received a gold star rating in Golf Digest's 2010 Equipment Hot List.
Member Comments